Cambodian Mother, Son Die from Bird Flu, say WHO Officials

PHNOM PENH - Bird flu has claimed three lives in Cambodia this month, with a mother and her 11-month-old son becoming the latest victims of the virus, officials said Wednesday.

The 19-year-old woman died on February 12 while her baby died five days later, the Cambodian health ministry and the World Health Organization said in a joint statement. Tests confirmed both had contracted H5N1 avian influenza.

The new victims, from northwestern Banteay Meanchey province, were admitted to hospital with high fever and coughing days after "eating sick poultry" while visiting relatives in southeastern Prey Veng province, the statement said.

It said the H5N1 avian influenza strain has killed more than 300 people worldwide since 2003. In Cambodia, the disease has claimed 11 lives.